Keep On Dancing

I’m a huge procrastinator. I didn’t used to be except studying in college. Before I would make plans weeks in advance especially for my birthday. I would plan that out six months in advance, I’m slacking this year. I think Vegas has changed that for me. It’s nearly impossible to plan things in advance because everything is last minute here. Friends hit me up months in advance for guestlists and to book tables. I always say to contact me a few days before the schedule date. Vegas can be predictable but sometimes the opposite can happen. If it’s expected busy, prices will be set high and guestlists will be nonexistence. If it ends up being slow then the prices are cut back. It’s all about supply and demand.

Memorial Day Weekend can be one of the busiest weekends in Vegas. On these big weekends as a Vegas resident, it is best to leave the city to avoid the crowd. I procrastinated this year and flights went way up. I am only leaving on Sunday, which is the busiest day/night of the weekend so I guess that’s better than nothing. I’m heading to San Francisco to see some of my favorite people and hopefully cool off from the 100 degree weather. Since I’m here Friday and Saturday, I plan to take full advantage of it. The options are endless but after careful thought I have chosen my party options. Friday night I’m going to Haze to see Laidback Luke. Last time he was there the energy and crowd was so much fun. It was a hard decision with Tiesto at XS, Afrojack at Tryst and Benny Benassi at Marquee, but I have seen each of them numerous times and Laidback Luke only once. Saturday I’m going to hang out at Bellina’s Beach to avoid the Strip since I will be heading down to The Cosmopolitan later on that night for Young the Giant and Kaskade after in the Chelsea Ballroom. Here’s a tip if you are parking, it will take forever to get out of the parking lot so it’s better to valet at Aria or Vdara. The walk will be quicker. I get back early on Monday so I may have to venture down to one of the pool parties. I guess it depends how much I live it up in San Francisco.

Memorial Day Weekend is only four days and will go back fast. After the holiday weekend there is usually a lull in Vegas, but this year there will be no rest for the city. Electric Daisy Carnival is only two weekends away and officially sold out. The festival is Friday – Sunday but events start the Tuesday before. Insomniac has partnered with Tao Group and Wynn has declared June 6 – 11 Wynn Music Week. EDM DJ’s will be spinning at every venue throughout the week leading up to EDC. On top of that The Cosmopolitan is having an EDMBiz Free Pool Party at the Boulevard Pool. You can get your free ticket at SpyOnVegas.com. The Orleans is having Bassrush Massive on Thursday, June 7 with Bassnectar, Knife Party, 12^th Planet and more. All the details for each event are at www.electricdaisycarnival.com. As if events weren’t enough, Vegas decided to create an EDMbiz Conference from June 5 – 7 addressing the business side of EDM at The Cosmopolitan. There will be exhibits for other festivals, music agencies, management companies, nightlife companies and speakers including Kaskade, Steve Angello and Above & Beyond.

As for the festival itself there are some things every attendee should know. I have been asked a lot about getting out to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. You can drive (parking is free), but make sure you are prepared for traffic and driving sober because police will be stationed along the way. If you leave your car there, it will be towed and sleeping in your vehicle is not allowed. There are shuttle services for $70 for all three nights with more pickup options and will be returning to the city throughout the night. If you wait to leave until the very end expect a long wait… last year it was up to three hours. You can take a cab out there, the city has approved for more cabs that weekend, but the cost will be $56 at a minimum so $112 roundtrip each night and that doesn’t include tip. It will be higher if there are traffic jams. Another option is by helicopter but you will be dishing out $3,000. I guess it depends if time or money is more important to you.

At the festival, food and beverages will be available that take both cash and credit. Alcohol will be served with beer and liquor for 21+. Outside beverages and food will not be allowed in. You can purchase an Insomniac water bottle or bring an empty container for water as free refill stations will be set up around the Speedway. Expect to get fully searched when walking in. Police officers will be stationed outside and inside to strictly enforce drug use. Guidelines to keep in mind, there is no re-entry, no camping, no refunds, no crowd surfing or stage diving. Prohibited items include pets, laser pointers, pacifiers, eyedrops, glass, cans, cups, coolers, markers, pens, paint, balloons, Frisbees, chairs, blankets, large purses/bags (no larger than 12” by 12 “), stuffed animals, open packs of cigarettes, weapons or video cameras. Things allowed are small bags, fanny packs (I will judge those who own one), cell phones, non-professional cameras, lighters, closed packs of cigarettes, sealed chapstick/lipgloss/gum, glowsticks and earplugs. Most people dress in costumes for the event from bikinis to tutus… think party rock theme. As there are always scalpers at every event, make sure the tickets are legit. Last year someone got caught making duplicate tickets and sold them at the event.

Most importantly remember to stay hydrated. It may cool down a bit at night, but it can still be over 90 degrees. If you are partying during the day or hungover from the night before, you are more at risk. Lastly, have fun! If it’s your first time, it will be unforgettable unless you are one to black out… just kidding… sort of.